Complete Tool List For Woodworking

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Woodworking Is A Fulfilling And Creative Hobby, But Safety Should Always Be Your Top Priority. The Right Safety Gear Can Protect You From Potential Hazards And Allow You To Focus On Honing Your Woodworking Skills. In This Blog Post, We’ll Explore The Importance Of Essential Safety Gear For Woodworking Beginners.

EYE PROTECTION

Safety Glasses Are A Non-Negotiable Accessory In Your Woodworking Toolkit. They Form A Barrier Between Your Eyes And The Numerous Risks Present In A Woodworking Environment. Wood Chips, Debris, And Particles Created By Cutting, Sanding, And Drilling Can Cause Severe Eye Injuries. Safety Glasses Ensure That Your Eyes Remain Unharmed, Allowing You To Work Confidently And Without Worry. Our Beginner Pick: https://amzn.to/3SiRuhh

EAR PROTECTION

Woodworking Often Involves The Use Of Power Tools That Generate Significant Noise Levels. Over Time, Exposure To Loud Sounds Can Lead To Irreversible Hearing Damage. Ear Protection, Such As Earmuffs Or Earplugs, Forms A Protective Shield For Your Ears, Reducing The Risk Of Hearing Loss. By Wearing Ear Protection, You Can Focus On Your Projects Without Compromising Your Long-Term Auditory Health. Our Beginner Pick: https://amzn.to/3sdv8Dh

DUST MASK/RESPIRATOR

Woodworking Generates Fine Dust And Particles That Can Be Harmful When Inhaled. Prolonged Exposure To Wood Dust May Lead To Respiratory Issues And Other Health Concerns. A Dust Mask Or Respirator Filters Out These Particles, Ensuring That You Breathe In Clean Air While Working. Prioritizing Respiratory Safety Not Only Protects Your Health But Also Enhances Your Overall Woodworking Experience.  Our Picks: Find a good Beginner  Dust Mask here https://amzn.to/477EEGS,  If Your Looking For A Good Beginner Respirator You Can Check Out These: https://amzn.to/4741Ohs

WOODWORKING APRON

A woodworking apron is often considered optional but highly beneficial for safety and convenience in the shop due to several reasons. Firstly, it provides protection from debris and sharp objects commonly encountered during woodworking tasks, shielding clothing from dirt, damage, and potential injury caused by wood chips, sawdust, or sharp tools. Additionally, the apron acts as a barrier between the body and potential hazards, reducing the risk of minor injuries such as cuts, scratches, or splinters. Moreover, many woodworking aprons come equipped with pockets and compartments, allowing for convenient storage and organization of small tools, pencils, measuring tapes, and other accessories. This not only saves time and effort by keeping essential items within easy reach but also contributes to a cleaner and more efficient workspace. Here is our recommendation for a good woodwokring apron: https://amzn.to/4aFK5i9

DRILL & DRIVERS

Investing in a good drill and driver set is a wise decision for woodworking beginners. It enhances your efficiency, precision, and safety, while also expanding the scope of projects you can undertake.  When it comes to this tool we recommend going brushless and cordless for added power and versatility.

  • Budget Pick- Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill & Driver Set  https://amzn.to/45OrVba
  • Better Pick- The budget choice mentioned above is excellent and will suffice for the majority of woodworking tasks. However, if you have a bit of extra budget to work with, I recommend considering the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX. It offers a more compact design while delivering even greater power. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/40iPLul.
  • Accessories-  If you want to be covered for any situations then you need to pick up a drill and driver kit. We recommend this one as it should have everything you may need  https://amzn.to/3ShQkCT

A circular saw is a fundamental tool for woodworking beginners. It offers versatility, precision, and efficiency, making it an invaluable addition to your workshop. With proper training and safety precautions, a circular saw will enable you to tackle a wide range of woodworking projects and help you develop your skills as a woodworker.

  • Budget Pick-  If you’re just beginning your woodworking journey, this saw is an excellent choice to kickstart your projects. I began with a similar model many years ago, and even though I’ve since upgraded, it remains functional to this day. Check out the SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with a Single Beam Laser Guide here: https://amzn.to/3snWxCu.
  • Better Pick- Constructed for durability, this corded circular saw is engineered to withstand a wide range of challenges, making it a reliable choice. Additionally, it boasts a slightly elevated bevel capacity. Check out the DEWALT Circular Saw with a 15 Amp motor and a 57-degree bevel capability at this link: https://amzn.to/3FGVRLy.

CIRCULAR SAWS

RANDOM ORBITAL SANDERS

A random orbital sander is an essential tool for woodworking due to its versatility, efficiency, dust collection capabilities, and the high-quality finishes it can produce. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional woodworker, having this tool in your workshop can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of your projects.

  • Budget Pick-  When it comes to a sander I always suggest you pick up a corded Random Orbital Sander.  Sometimes you can be sanding for quite a while and nothing is worse than the batteries running out on you when finishing a project.  This sander is a pretty good starting point https://amzn.to/3tXBdo4
  • Better Pick-  The budget pick will do just fine for most of your projects but for a bit more you can get the DEWALT Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch which in my opinion is a better option https://amzn.to/45TqGr6.
  • Accessories- As you continue to work on projects you will notice you run through sandpaper quite quickly.  There are many different types of grit but the 3 I suggest you always have are 80, 120 and 220 grit.  The higher grit you go the smoother sandpaper finish you have.  To get a feel for what you like we suggest to start off with this set.  165pcs Orbital Sander Sandpaper Sanding Discs 5 Inch 8 Hole https://amzn.to/3Sn8bbx

A jigsaw is an excellent tool for woodworking beginners due to its ease of use, versatility, ability to make curved cuts, affordability, and suitability for a range of projects. It’s a tool that helps beginners build confidence and develop essential woodworking skills while allowing them to create a variety of projects.

  • Budget Pick-This jigsaw serves as an excellent inexpensive introductory tool, enabling you to become acquainted with its functions and potential. With this jigsaw, you’ll be able to tackle straightforward projects involving curves and circles, unlocking new creative opportunities in your woodworking endeavors.  SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw https://amzn.to/40jw85u
  • Better Pick-  If you have the money to spare this jigsaw is perfect for you, it cuts through wood like butter, its comfortable, easy to handle, powerful and cuts smoothly. DEWALT Jig Saw, 3,100 SPM Speed, Corded, 6.5 Amp https://amzn.to/3Mk12ET
  • Accessories-  The choice of jigsaw blade largely depends on the material you’re cutting and whether you need to navigate tight curves. Starting with this blade set is a wise choice, we recommend utilizing T-Shank blades for your Jigsaw for ease of use. 50 Piece Contractor Jigsaw Blades Set https://amzn.to/40fP2u5

JIGSAWS

MITER SAWS

A Miter saw is perfect for making accurate, repeated, efficient, and versatile cuts. Whether you’re building furniture, installing trim, or working on other woodworking projects, a miter saw can help you achieve professional-quality results.

  • Budget Pick- This is a great starter miter saw for those on a budget.  It has lightweight, quite powerful and give a smooth cut.  Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.  https://amzn.to/40qEKHx
  • Better Pick-  This miter saw is a major upgrade to the previous mentioned budget pick. It has a 12″ blade and is double beveled meaning it can tilt in both directions to easily do bevel, miter or compound cuts.  The fact that its a sliding miter saw adds much versatility allowing you to cut wider boards without having to flip it over.  DEWALT Miter Saw, 12 Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound  https://amzn.to/47dznha

A table saw is a must-have in a woodworking shop because of its unparalleled versatility and ability to make precise cuts efficiently, making it indispensable for a wide range of woodworking tasks, from basic crosscuts and ripping to creating intricate joinery and custom-sized components, ultimately enabling woodworkers to produce professional-quality results with ease.  When you feel comfortable using the tools mentioned above and you want to take your woodworking to the next level then its time to get a table saw.

  • Budget Pick- You will not find a better budget table saw than this one.  It’s portable and has many of the features of some of the more expensive brands and it comes in at a fraction of the price.  It comes with the stand, supports a dado stack, built to last and powerful enough to take care of anything thrown its way.  SKIL 15 Amp 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw with Folding Stand https://amzn.to/3FDJJLl 
  • Better Pick-  Much like the forementioned table saw this one has all of those features and a bit more. It also boasts a 32 1/2 rip capacity. DEWALT 10 Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2 Inch Rip Capacity https://amzn.to/3QhDCl2

TABLE SAWS

PLANERS

A Benchtop Planer is a powerful and versatile woodworking tool designed for surfacing and smoothing rough lumber and creating precise thickness adjustments.

  • Budget Pick- As far as budget planers go this recommendation is a good as it gets.  Sure it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive higher end planers but its a great starter point and will get the job done.  CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head https://amzn.to/3s4hWkk 
  • Better Pick-  If you have the money to spare then you should pick up this 12 1/2″ thickness planer.  It has more features than the previous recommendations and performs better in general.  DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp https://amzn.to/46XCoCr

When getting a router the main question is getting either a fixed base router or a plunge based router. As the name suggests, a fixed base router has a stationary or fixed base. The router bit is set at a specific depth, and this depth remains constant during operation.  A plunge base router, on the other hand, allows you to plunge the router bit into the workpiece while it is running. This means you can adjust the cutting depth while the router is in operation, making it more versatile for certain tasks.

  • Best Pick-  At this point you should have already become familiar with most of the tools mentioned previously indicating that you are starting to work on a bit more advanced projects. The
    DEWALT Router, Fixed and Plunge Base Kit is the best router for both a beginner and those progressing futher into woodworking.  This is the first router you should get not only because it’s at a great price but also because its powerful and has both a fixed based and plunge ability.  You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3MnV6e5

ROUTERS

If you’ve worked on a project before then im sure you’ve have wished you had an extra set of hands to hold something together while you do some gluing, nailing or measuring.  Well, this is where clamps come in as you will need many extra set of hands as your projects get bigger.  There are many different types of clamps but the budget pick is a great place to start at.

  •  Budget Pick- As a beginners I’d suggest picking up a set of quick grip clamps as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Woodworking Clamps Set https://amzn.to/46Pmf23
  • Best Pick-  When you are truly invested in the hobby and ready to get nothing but the best then the BESSEY KRE3531 PAIR 31″ K Body REVO Parallel Bar Clamps are the way to go.  They are a bit pricey but are well worth it.  You can get them here: https://amzn.to/3QE5Rvm

BESSY & IRWIN CLAMPS

KREG POCKET HOLE JIG

There are many different types of woodworking joinery some of the most basic are the butt joint, box joint and mitered butt joint.  Every joint has its benifits and its strength.  In recent years pocket hole joinery has become very popular and with good reason.  It creates strong and discreet joints between two pieces of wood and with the pocket hole jig its very easy to do making it a must have tool for any woodworker weather beginner or professional.

  •  Budget Pick- Ask any woodworker and they will tell you for pocket hole joinery the first thing that comes to mind is their pocket hole jig.  This is the first one I got started with and the one every beginner should start with Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 320 https://amzn.to/49eqOV7
  • Best Pick(depending on use case) –  If you’ve been doing woodworking a while and you create pocket holes quite often then an upgrade to the Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720 PRO would be a wise idea.  It makes the process of making pocket holes much quicker and is also easy to use. One downside though is the size.  It has a bulkier size making it not practical for furniture repair or use in tight spaces.  For this reason make sure you keep your Kreg 320. With them both you will be a pocket hole master.  You can pick up the Kreg 720 here:  https://amzn.to/40n2I6G

FRAMING SQUARE

Uses- Measuring and Marking Right Angles, Layout and Marking, As a Cutting Guide, Checking for Squareness, Rafter and Roofing Layout, Scribing Lines, Checking Angles and much more.

 

Best Pick- Starrett RS-24 Rafter Square

COMBINATION SQUARE

Uses- Measuring and Marking 90-Degree Angles, Checking Squareness, Depth Measurement, Marking Lines Parallel to an Edge, Setting Blade Height on Power Tools, Marking Angles, Center Finding, Marking Mortises and Tenons, Scribing Lines and more.

Best Pick- IRWIN 16″ Combination Square

DADO BLADE SET

Uses- Used in conjunction with a Table Saw.

 

Used to create Dado Joints, Grooves, Rabbets and more.

Best Pick- 14 Piece Carbide Stacking Dado Blade Set

POCKET HOLE SCREWS

These pocket hole screws are a great deal if you do pocket hole joinery often.  They are a fraction of the price of the kreg screws keeping the the same quality.

Best Pick- LionMax Pocket Hole Screws

TITEBOND WOOD GLUE

Wood glue is a must in woodworking and its something you always use and use alot of.  There are many available but Titebond is undoubtedly the best in our opinion.

Best Pick- Titebond Wood Glue

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