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.
Table of Contents
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
- 5150 RPM motor of DEWALT circular saw delivers power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with ease
- High strength and lightweight magnesium shoe of the corded circular saw provides jobsite durability for long-term cut accuracy
- Optimized rubber overmolded comfort grip of the compact circular saw delivers optimal balance and control
- 0-50 degree bevel capacity allows for aggressive bevel cuts for a multitude of applications
- 6-1/2-inch carbide-tipped blade for cutting 2 times material at 90 degree and 45 degree and more cuts per cha
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
- Dewalt drill has compact and lightweight design that fits into tight areas
- High performance motor of the power drill delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power ability completing a wide range of applications
- High speed transmission of Dewalt 20V drill delivers 2 speeds (0-450 and 1,500 rpm) for a range of fastening and drilling applications
- 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength
- Ergonomic handle delivers comfort and control. Tool Height-6.5 inch
- The charger is designed to operate on standard 120V household electrical power. Do not attempt to use it on any other voltage. This does not apply to the vehicular char
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
- 3.0-amp motor of the orbital sander spins the pad at 8,000 - 12,000 OPM
- Separate counterweight design of the hand sander reduces vibration for improved comfort
- Improved dust-sealed switch of the electric sander protects against dust ingestion for longer switch life
- Dust port is designed to fit directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors
- Shorter height allows the user to get closer to the workpiece
- Rubber overmold improves grip in all of the critical areas of the sander
- Improved dust collection and one-handed locking dust bag
- To attach the dust port to other vacuum systems with 1-1/4-inch hoses, use DWV9000 Universal Quick Connec
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
- 6-piece trigger clamp set includes 4-inch clamps (x2) and 6-inch clamps (x4)
- 4-inch clamp delivers 22 pounds of clamping force; 6-inch clamp delivers 100 pounds of clamping force
- Made of durable nylon with hardened-steel bars to resist bending
- Non-marring pads provide a firm grip and protect surfaces from damage; one-handed trigger for instant clamp release
- Ideal for clamping smaller pieces and for working in confined spaces; backed by an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warra
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
- Black precision-etched scales
- Durable cast zinc body
- Rust proof stainless steel blade
- Perfect for 90° and 45° marking
- Can be used as a gauge for transferring measureme
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
- ✅ PATENT PENDING - ROLL STOP FENCE WITH FLAT SPOT - woodworking tasks with a high-end wheel marking gauge, which will help you lay out lines parallel to a flat wood surface with max precision and indicate exactly where wood needs to be cut.
- ✅ MAKE LINE MARKS WITH PRECISION: The super clear, laser engraved graduation marks on the bar are available in both metric and imperial versions up to 6/150mm, for convenience in your woodworking projects.
- ✅ INVEST IN A MONEY SAVER MARKING WHEEL KIT: The 2 extra hardened Steel wheel cutters included add great value to your order. Eliminate the chances of wavering lines and complete your tasks faster and easier.
- ✅ USE YOUR WOODWORKING SCRIBE FOR YEARS: The 8 long graduated bar is made of solid brass, Steel and aluminum alloy, corrosion-resistant. The non-marring brass face protects it from damage when not in use.
- ✅ ENJOY ONE-HANDED OPERATION: Fast and easy to use, this convenient marking gauge wheel will take all the fuss out of your woodworking cutting. Feeling perfectly balanced, our wood marking tool won’t strain your ha
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
- MOTOR: 15 Amp motor delivers high power for the toughest of cuts generating a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 24.2 lbs. to facilitate maneuverability and portability
- MITER ANGLE RANGE: 0-52 degrees, to the right and left for increased flexibility
- BEVEL RANGE: 0-45 degrees, to the left with adjustable bevel stops for precision cuts
- LARGE TABLE: Offers better material support with vice clamping system to secure work piece
- THUMB ACTUATED POSITIVE STOPS: For quick miter adjustments
- HORIZONTAL HANDLE: For a secure hold
- WARRANTY: Covered by Metabo HPTs Professional 5-Year Tool Warra
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
- VERSATILE APPLICATION – 3/4 in. stroke length for cutting wood, metal, and more materials.
- VARIABLE-SPEED MOTOR – 4.5 Amp motor generates up to 3,000 spm of cutting power.
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Electric jig saw is designed for easy maneuverability and reduced vibration.
- BEVELED CUTS – Base plate tilts to make beveled cuts up to 45 degrees.
- WIRE GUARD – Supplies a clear line of sight for enhanced cutting precision.
- QUICK-CLAMP – Allows for tool-free blade changes.
- ADJUSTABLE SHOE – Provides added stability.
- BUILT-IN DUST BLOWER – Keeps sawdust and debris out of your way.
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- INCLUDES – BDEJ300C electric jig s
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
- 2-1/4 HP (maximum motor HP), 12.0 amp electronic variable speed motor of DEWALT router provides the power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods
- DEWALT plunge router features electronic variable speed with full feedback control for constant speed under load from 8,000-24,000 rpm and soft start to reduce start-up torque for enhanced control
- Micro-fine, depth-adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64-inch increments and adjusts vertically for a constant switch/cordset location
- Adjustable, tool-free, steel motor cam lock makes depth adjustment and base changes quick and solid-locking
- Integral, through-the-column dust collection collects 95% of the dust and provides superior bit visibility
- Quick-release motor latches for fast and easy motor pack removal for bit and base changes
- Detachable cordset offers cordset serviceability and removes the need for a -inchshorty-inch cord motor pack
- Precision-machined brass bushings and case-hardened steel guide rods provide a smooth and accurate plunge stroke
- Spindle lock button allows for single-wrench bit changes
- Clear, LEXAN sub-base provides enhanced base durability, bit visibility, and accepts standard template guide bushi
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
- Purchase includes one stationary 13 Planer, in/out feed tables with fasteners (attached to the base of the Planer base), extra blades and dust hose adapter. Stand is not included.
- Three knife cutter head of the thickness planer delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
- Two-speed gear box of the wood planer allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
- Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off of the cutter head and exhausts them out of the machine
- 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base is 2 times more rigid than a standard 10-inch base and folding tables
- Automatic carriage lock reduces the movement that causes snipe without the need for manual engagement by the user
- Material removal gauge and extra large thickness scale deliver accurate cuts with every pass
- Extra large turret depth-stop allows users to return to most frequently used thicknesses with ease
- Includes infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of kni
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.
