5 Go To Tools to Get Started in Woodworking
There’s a misconception when it comes to woodworking that you have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on tools to get into this space. In this post I’ll highlight the 10 go to tools to get started in woodworking and show you the cost effective options available, as well as some of the upgrades you can get along the way.
DISCLAIMER: These recommendations are based on my experience and opinions. Before making any buying decisions I advise you to do your due diligence to ensure that the items truly fit your specific needs.
The Power Drill
Likely one of the most commonly used tools in any woodworkers tool chest. The power drill comes in all shapes and sizes.
Average Price:
Low End- $30-$50
High End- $150-$200
Types of Drills:
Power Drills- Most common drill type for woodworkers.
Impact Drivers- Great for larger scale construction projects like building a deck or a barn. These drills have a lot more power and are capable of driving screws and bolts through substantial material.
Hammer Drills- These drills are designed to drill holes into thick/dense materials such as rock, brick, and concrete.
What I Recommend:
You don’t have to go to the high end of the spectrum to get a quality power drill. I’ve used a Black and Decker Drill that you can get for $39 on Amazon. I’ve had this drill for years and it’s done a great job. If you want to take a step up from that you can look at something like the Craftsman 20V Cordless Drill or even one step above that with Dewalt 20V Drill.
When shopping for a power drill keep in mind that some manufacturers will sell the drill without the battery. You may be attracted to the lower price but if you buy one without a battery and get it home without realizing it, you won’t be able to do anything with it! Batteries can get pretty pricey. I recommend looking for bundle deals where you can get a drill with the battery included. Also consider picking a brand that you like and sticking with them as their batteries are typically universal meaning you can use the same battery for a wide variety of tools!
The Hand Saw
Before you jump into the power tools, getting some projects under your belt the old fashion way is a great way to develop an appreciation for the craft. The hand saw is a versatile tool that will allow you to make a wide variety of cuts.
Average Price:
Low End- $10-$15
High End- $40-$60
Types of Hand Saws:
Crosscut Saw- All-purpose woodworking saw used to cut wood perpendicular to the grain.
Backsaw- Typically used with a miter box. Great for making angled cuts.
Pull Saw- Used when cutting dovetails, kerfs, or joining wood. Also good for cutting plastic.
Hacksaw- Used for cutting pipe or metal.
Coping Saw- Used for making precision cuts. Used in carpentry and fine woodworking.
What I Recommend:
The great thing about most handsaws is that they are inexpensive. You can get a simple crosscut saw and when you the teeth begin to dull you can simply replace it. There are ways to sharpen your saw teeth but unless you are investing in a really nice handsaw (>$50) it’s likely not worth the effort to do this.
The Circular Saw
When you are ready to move on from making all of your cuts by hand, the circular saw is a great next step. This is a versatile tool given its size and maneuverability. Unlike the miter saw or table saw, it’s compact size allows for a wide variety of cuts.
Average Price:
Low End- $60-$80
High End- $150-$200
Types of Circular Saws:
The biggest difference across different types of circular saws is going to be the blade size and how much power the saw has. Before you purchase a circular saw give some thought to the types of cuts you will be making with it. If you are only working with small dimensional lumber you will do just fine with a 6 ½ inch blade but if you are cutting through thicker stock lumber (>2 inches) you’ll want to consider something with a larger blade with more power.
What I Recommend:
I use the Craftsman 6 ½ inch Circular Saw for a lot of my smaller cuts. With the 20V battery it can make a surprisingly high number of cuts before I have to swap the battery out to charge. If you are looking for a step up you can’t go wrong with the Makita 5007NK 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw. If you want to go for the big dog I’d recommend the Makita HS0600 10-1/4" Circular Saw.
The Miter Saw
The Miter Saw is a must have if you want to make a lot of accurate, consistent, repeatable cuts. These saws are designed to make angled cuts and crosscuts for moulding, trim work and other general purpose carpentry cuts.
Average Price:
Low End- $150-$200
High End- $800-$1,500
Types of Miter Saws:
Standard- Allows you to rotate the blade from side to side, cutting at an angle.
Compound- Allows for a beveled (tilted) cut
Sliding Compound- Added function that allows for the blade to slide forward, increasing the cutting width.
Types of Cuts:
It is important to understand the different types of cuts you can make with a Miter Saw.
Miter Cut: A miter is an angled cut made across the face, or width, of a board.
Bevel Cut: A bevel is an angled cut made through the thickness of a board.
Cross Cut: A cut that is perpendicular to the wood grain.
What I Recommend:
When you start looking at these types of power tools, the price can vary widely based on the brand and features you want in your saw. When I first started in woodworking I used a RYOBI 7-1/4 in. Miter Saw 9 AMP. It was pretty inexpensive and outside of replacing the blade, I haven’t had a single issue out of it in all the years I’ve used it. If you want to step up from this, the Kobalt 10-in 15-Amp Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a great choice.
The Hand Sander
As you continue to grow your woodworking skills, you’ll quickly realize that sanding your projects down is a time consuming, yet extremely critical part to ensuring your final product is as perfect as you had envisioned it to be. Given the time consuming nature of this task, there are a WIDE variety of options to get this done.
Average Price:
Low End- $30-$50
High End- $150-$200
Types of Hand Sanders:
Belt Sander- Sand paper belt wrapped around two rotating drums.
Orbital Sander- Sanding area delivers a random-orbit action.
Detail Sander- Uses a small vibrating head with a triangular piece of sandpaper attached. Used for sanding corners and very tight spaces.
What I Recommend:
If you are simply looking for a way to speed up your sanding process I recommend going with a base line orbital sander. The Makita BO4556 2 Amp Finishing Sander will do the trick. If you are looking for something with more power that can cover a larger area, then you’ll want to step up to a belt sander like the Ridgid 6.5 Amp Corded 3 in. x 18 in. Variable Speed Belt Sander.
With any of these hand sanders, it is important to always follow the grain of the wood when sanding. This will help protect the wood and ensure a clean finish when complete. This is also only highlighting Hand Sanders. There are a wide variety of stationary sanders such as Oscillating Spindle Sanders that will run you a few more bucks but have fantastic features.
