All of the tools and gear you need to get started in the woodshop
Woodworking is an incredibly fulfilling pursuit. It’s challenging, fun and rewarding. Whether you want to go pro and sell your own furniture or relax with an engaging hobby, there are a few basic things you’ll need.
One of the hardest parts of woodworking is getting started. It’s difficult to know what equipment you need first and what can wait until you’re more experienced. Fortunately, the tools you purchase in the beginning will stay useful as your skill level grows.
Saws
To build anything, you first have to cut your materials. There are many types of saws suited for different types of cuts, but beginners will only need a couple of basic options to start out.
Circular saws are great for amateurs because they’re lightweight, portable and cut accurately. They can be used in smaller or larger projects. Table saws are also useful because they’re efficient, simple and perfect for long cuts.
Best circular saw
This is a powerful cutting tool that’s fast, accurate and leaves minimal tears behind. It’s adjustable and easy to use, which makes it perfect for the beginner woodworker.
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Best circular saw for the money
DEWALT MAX Cordless Circular Saw
This saw is durable yet lightweight, as well as strong and speedy. It’s designed to be comfortable and enjoyable to use even throughout long projects.
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Best table saw
Dewalt 15 Amp Corded Job Site Table Saw with Rolling Stand
This table saw is meant to be portable and simple to set up and take down. It features a rack and pinion system to keep cuts smooth and accurate.
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Best table saw for the money
Dewalt 15 Amp Corded Compact Jobsite Table Saw
This saw is also compact and easy to move, but it comes with added features like storage and hanging hooks.
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Drills
Drills are one of the most common power tools. They allow you to attach your pieces with ease and turn them into a completed project.
Best drill
DEWALT ATOMIC 20-Volt Cordless/Impact Combo Kit
This drill is cordless and battery-powered for your convenience. The combo kit includes an impact driver, a charger and a durable bag to carry it all in.
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Tape measure
You’ve most likely heard the phrase: “measure twice, cut once.” To do this, you’ll need a quality tape measure that’s easy to read and use. Purchasing the right one will allow you to complete this step quickly and accurately.
Best tape measure
Milwaukee 25-Foot Compact Auto-Lock Tape Measure
The large print and auto-locking blade make this tape measure fast and simple to use. The durable exterior is impact-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear.
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Best tape measure for the money
Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure
The measurements on this tape are coated to ensure they never wear off. It’s durable and always stays in place with the secure blade lock.
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Electric Sander
It’s imperative to smooth your wood before treating or staining it. While an electric sander costs more than hand sanding blocks, it will save you hours of time and effort.
Best electric sander
DEWALT Electric Orbital Sander
This powerful sander features a textured rubber grip for comfort and space for an added locking dust bag. It’s fast and low profile, so you can focus on tough spots.
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Best electric sander for the money
WEN Electric Detail Palm Sander
This sander is designed to be comfortable and precise. It gets into corners and tight spots you can usually only access with a hand block, but in half the time.
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Clamps
Clamps keep your project in place while glue is drying or when you need your hands for other things. There are several types of clamps; however, beginners only need basic ones. Bar and trigger clamps are easy to use and are relatively low-cost.
Best clamps
The bars on these clamps are easy to position and keep in place. The protective pads on the jaws keep them from scraping your wood.
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Best clamps for the money
These clamps feature a quick and comfortable trigger. They won’t bend under pressure or slip off of your project.
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Eye protection
When working with any power tools, it’s crucial to protect yourself. Most beginner woodworkers think to grab gloves, but proper eyewear is often forgotten until it’s too late. Safety glasses are the best way to keep debris from hurting your vision.
Best safety glasses
These safety glasses were designed for the shop. The soft seal keeps even the smallest particles out of your eyes and the vents increase airflow.
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Best safety glasses for the money
Pyramex Fortress Safety Eyewear
These glasses are excellent quality for an affordable price. They’re well ventilated, lightweight and adjustable for a comfortable experience.
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Planes
There are many types of planes to help you refine your project, but smoothing planes are the most useful for beginner woodworkers. Smoothing planes scrape away excess wood and leave you with a nice finish without the harshness of sandpaper.
Best smoothing plane
This plane is designed with adjustability and comfort in mind, which makes it great for all wood types. It stays in place with minimal skidding, so you have total control.
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Best smoothing plane for your money
You’ll get high quality for a low price with this smoothing plane. It’s not as well suited for big projects, but it’s great for around the house.
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Sawhorses
Sawhorses are an easy first project for beginner woodworkers. However, if you’d rather save time and just pick them up, there are many inexpensive options. Sawhorses are great for support pieces of your project or an impromptu workbench.
Best sawhorse
As durable as it is portable, the JawHorse is a next-level sawhorse option. It’s on the expensive side, but those working on big projects will likely find it’s worth it.
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Best sawhorse for your money
These sawhorses are lightweight and easy to maneuver. They’re dependable from the moment you take them out of the box, fully assembled.
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Marking gauge
Marking gauges help you quickly mark accurate reference lines that are easy to spot later on.
Best marking gauge
Mortise Square Ebony Marking Gauge
This is a marker designed to be sturdy and comfortable to hold. It’s adjustable and precise in all situations.
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Best marking gauge for your money
Clarke Brother Wheel Marking Gauge
This marking gauge allows you to make accurate lines with a single hand. It’s made of high-quality metal that will stand the test of time.
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Anabelle Weissinger writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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